They came from as far away as Oklahoma and Michigan to Wickham Park in Manchester, Conn., this weekend, some wearing patchwork Rebel uniforms and others donning woolen Yankee blue. Not even a hard rain and an overnight's stay in their small, white tents could spoil Saturday's event for many of these reenactors, who have a unique passion for the Civil War.

Steve DelSignore of Middleboro, Mass., who portrays a Union chaplain, had a Civil War-themed wedding.

Tim Perkins of Boxford, Mass., masterfully stayed in character -- in Saturday's case as a Southern captain -- and refused to call the Battle of Antietam by its Northern name. "It's the Battle of Sharpsburg, sir." he told me.

REBEL: Greg Frank of South Windsor, Conn. He is a member of Company H of the 1st Maryland.

Another New Englander, Paul Szafik of Troy, N.H.., also portrayed a Rebel, something I found odd. "Well," he quipped, "I originally was from southern New Hampshire."

And Nathan Porteus, a boy-soldier from Bolton, Conn., also stayed in character, snapping to attention as an officer quizzed him as I approached the muddy Rebel camp. "Is everything OK here, trooper?" he asked. "Yes, sir," barked Porteus, who portrays a 35th Virginia soldier.

Yes, Civil War reenactors are a different breed. A little nutty, perhaps, but in a very good sort of way.

On Saturday afternoon, more than 200 of them re-fought the Battle of Antietam at Wickham Park. Flour was stuffed in cannons to make the smoke a little more dense when they were fired. Two Rebels who skedaddled for the rear were shot in the back by comrades, much to the delight of many in the crowd of about 1,000 people. And in a safety-first measure, most re-enactors aimed their blank rounds extraordinarily high, something most of their counterparts 150 years ago never would have considered with their live rounds.

Unlike the real thing, the casualties thankfully were quite low, although one Union soldier had a very nasty head wound covered by a faux bloody patch. (Nice job there, soldier.) Predictably, the men and boys in blue once again chased the Rebels from Bloody Lane after enfilading their line.

Afterward, a Union reenactor and I discussed the battle and today's fascination with the Civil War.

"I wonder what soldiers from 150 years ago would think of all this today," he said as he gestured toward a row of posters planted in the grass of Connecticut troops who fought at Antietam.

CONTACT ME

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

John Banks is author of two published books on the Civil War: Connecticut Yankees at Antietam and Hidden History of Connecticut Union Soldiers, which feature profiles of soldiers and others. His work has been featured in such notable publications as The New York Times, Civil War Times, Civil War Monitor, Civil War News, America's Civil War and Military Images. Banks, who attended Mount Lebanon (Pa.) High School, graduated from West Virginia University (B.A. in journalism). A longtime journalist with The Dallas Morning News and ESPN, he is secretary-treasurer of The Center for Civil War Photography, a member of the Civil War Trust and a board member of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation.

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PROFESSIONAL WORK PORTFOLIO

Digitally savvy professional journalist. No fear as editor or writer. Click on Irishman Thomas Meagher monument photo for more.

FEATURED WORK

My stories have been featured in The New York Times, Civil War Times, America's Civil War, Civil War Monitor, Military Images and elsewhere. Read the latest story by clicking on the image.

PURCHASE MY BOOK

My second book, "Hidden History of Connecticut Union Soldiers" (History Press), is available for purchase. You can order it from amazon.com or email me at jbankstx@comcast.net for information on how to get an autographed copy.

PURCHASE MY BOOK

"Connecticut Yankees at Antietam": Stories of soldiers from Connecticut who served in the four regiments from the state who fought during the bloodiest day in American history. Click on image for ordering details. If you want to purchase a signed copy, email me at jbankstx@comcast.net.

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16TH CONNECTICUT

The 16th Connecticut was routed at Antietam and many soldiers in the regiment were later imprisoned at Andersonville and elsewhere. Click on the image of Company K captain Newton Manross, killed at Antietam, for more on the hard-luck regiment.

ANTIETAM POSTS

Posts on the Battle of Antietam, my favorite Civil War topic, may be found by clicking on the image of "The 40-Acre Cornfield."

ANTIETAM PANOS

From Burnside Bridge to Bloody Lane to the 40-acre Cornfield, view an extensive collection of interactive battlefield panoramas.

GETTYSBURG PANOS

From Little Round Top to Benner's Hill, view a collection of interactive panoramas of the battlefield.

MORE PANOS

ANTIETAM DEATHS

Download my Excel spreadsheet of Connecticut Antietam deaths. It includes soldier's name, rank, regiment, company, place of death, family information, links and more. It's the most comprehensive list of its kind. Click on image. (Having trouble downloading it? E-mail me at jbankstx@comcast.net and I will send it to you.)

TIPTON IMAGES

MORE ANTIETAM

The faces, graves and memorials of soldiers from Connecticut who were killed or mortally wounded on Sept, 17, 1862 -- the bloodiest day in American history. Click on image.

ANTIETAM UP CLOSE

Enlargements of Alexander Gardner images allow you to see Antietam like you've never seen it before. Click on image above.

GETTYSBURG DEATHS

Download my Excel spreadsheet of Connecticut Gettysburg deaths. It includes soldier's name, rank, regiment, company, place of death, family information, links and more. It's the most comprehensive list of its kind. Click on image. (Having trouble downloading it? E-mail me at jbankstx@comcast.net and I will send it to you.)

NEW BERN DEATHS

On March 14, 1862, three regiments of Connecticut soldiers fought at the Battle of New Bern (N.C.). Skip Riddle, an expert on the battle, researched the circumstances of the deaths of soldiers in the 8th, 10th and 11th Connecticut regiments at New Bern. Download the Excel spreadsheet by clicking on the image. (Additional research by John Banks)